Chapter 8.16
NOISE

Sections:

8.16.010    Unnecessary and unusually loud noise.

Cross reference(s) – Barking dogs prohibition, GJMC 6.12.060.

8.16.010 Unnecessary and unusually loud noise.

(a)    Prohibition During Certain Hours. It shall be unlawful for any person to make, continue or cause to be made or continued any unnecessary, unusually loud or unusual noise between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. which either annoys, injures or endangers the comfort, repose, health or safety of other persons. For the purpose of this section, a member of the Police Department of the City is empowered to make a prima facie determination as to whether such noise constitutes a public nuisance.

(b)    Near Schools and Hospitals. It shall be unlawful for any person, by himself or in the operation of any instrument, machine or vehicle, to make any unnecessary noise within 150 feet of any hospital or other institution reserved for the sick, or any school during school hours.

(c)    Exemptions. Persons actively engaged in lawful employment or other lawful pursuits in the area described in subsection (b) of this section shall be exempt from the provisions of this section.

(d)    Excessive Noise. No person operating or occupying a motor vehicle on any street, highway, alley, parking lot, or driveway, either public or private property, shall operate or permit the operation of any sound amplification system, including, but not limited to, any radio, tape player, compact disc player, loud speaker, or any other electrical device used for the amplification of sound from within the motor vehicle so that the sound is plainly audible.

(1)    For the purposes of this section, “plainly audible” means any sound which clearly can be heard, by unimpaired auditory senses based on a direct line of sight of 50 or more feet, however, words or phrases need not be discernable and said sound shall include bass reverberation.

(2)    Prohibitions contained in this section shall not be applicable to emergency or public safety vehicles, vehicles owned and operated by the City or any utility company, for sound emitted unavoidably during job-related operation, or any motor vehicle used in an authorized public activity for which a permit has been granted by the appropriate agency of the City.

(Ord. 3203, 11-3-99. Code 1994 § 16-106; Code 1965 § 19-4)